In November 2022, our city was designated as a national forestry carbon sink pilot city by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.To advance the development of the national forestry carbon sink pilot city with high quality and actively explore Baotou’s practical implementation of the principle that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets,” this implementation plan is formulated in accordance with the spirit of the “Implementation Opinions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council on Fully, Accurately, and Comprehensively Implementing the New Development Philosophy and Effectively Carrying Out Work Related to Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality” and the “Implementation Opinions of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Party Committee and Government on Fully, Accurately, and Comprehensively Implementing the New Development Philosophy and Effectively Carrying Out Work Related to Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality,” while taking into account the actual conditions of our city.
I. General Approach
Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we will fully implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, thoroughly implement Xi Jinping’s Thought on Ecological Civilization and the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important speeches, instructions, and directives regarding Inner Mongolia’s work, earnestly implement the relevant deployments of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, and follow the overall arrangements of the Autonomous Region and Baotou City to actively and steadily advance carbon peaking and carbon neutrality.we will strengthen our commitment to pioneering initiatives and pilot demonstrations. We will integrate the development of the National Forest Carbon Sink Pilot City with the construction of the Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality Forest and Grassland Carbon Sink (Baotou) Experimental Zone. Guided by the objectives of consolidating and enhancing the carbon sink capacity of forest, grassland, and wetland ecosystems and diversifying the realization of carbon sink value, we will focus on exploring management models and technical pathways for consolidating and enhancing forest and grassland carbon sinks, improving the forest and grassland carbon sink measurement and monitoring system,innovating forest and grassland carbon sink trading models, exploring regional compensation mechanisms for forest and grassland carbon sinks, and innovating financial support mechanisms for realizing the value of forest and grassland carbon sinks. We will actively explore new models for the development of forest and grassland carbon sinks, improve new mechanisms for realizing the value of ecological products, open up new pathways for the management and development of forest and grassland carbon sink assets, and establish a new framework for the development of forestry and grassland undertakings against the backdrop of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. We will strive to build Baotou into a forestry carbon sink demonstration region with distinct regional characteristics and significant comprehensive benefits.
II. Basic Principles
(1) Government Leadership and Social Participation. Emphasize the government’s leading role in institutional design, mechanism innovation, performance evaluation, and fostering a supportive social environment, while fully leveraging the decisive role of the market in resource allocation. Encourage and guide the whole of society to actively participate in the construction of the forestry carbon sink pilot city.
(2) Prioritizing Key Areas and Defining Clear Directions. Taking into account existing foundations and leveraging the city’s geographical and resource characteristics, the initiative will prioritize the implementation of a municipal carbon neutrality mechanism based on forest and grassland carbon sinks, while exploring regional trading and compensation mechanisms for such sinks. It will also research and establish a standard system for carbon sinks in desertified grasslands, actively develop grassland carbon sink assets, and chart pilot directions and pathways for national forest and grassland carbon sink initiatives.
(3) Systematic Planning and Coordinated Implementation. Adhere to a systematic approach. Based on Baotou’s characteristics as an industrial city and its endowment of forest, grassland, and wetland resources, and in conjunction with the national climate finance pilot program and the construction of the Forest and Grassland Carbon Sink (Baotou) Pilot Zone, we will implement unified planning and comprehensive measures to establish a working mechanism for the construction of the forest and grassland carbon sink pilot city that features clear responsibilities, collaborative division of labor, standardized and orderly operations, and effective implementation.
(4) Scientific Management and Gradual Progress. We will unify the management and operation of forest and grassland carbon sink resources and assets, conduct scientific carbon sink measurement and monitoring, and develop carbon sink assets in a graded and orderly manner to establish a forest and grassland carbon sink management system that aligns with Baotou’s actual conditions and reflects its unique characteristics.
(5) Upholding Principles While Innovating, and Encouraging Exploration. We will fully, accurately, and comprehensively implement all central and autonomous region-level deployments regarding carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. In accordance with the specific requirements of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration for the construction of forestry carbon sink pilot cities, we will base our work on Baotou’s actual conditions and carry out our tasks creatively. We will take the lead in piloting and exploring innovations in areas such as systems, mechanisms, technologies, standards, carbon trading, and carbon sink compensation, and will make every effort to advance the construction of the forestry carbon sink pilot city.
III. Main Objectives
In 2023, fully launch the construction of the Forest and Grassland Carbon Sink Pilot City. Implement comprehensive projects to consolidate and enhance the carbon sink capacity of forests, grasslands, and wetlands covering more than 3.2 million mu;Establish the Baotou Branch of the National Carbon Measurement Center (Inner Mongolia) and complete the construction of the Baotou Forest, Grassland, and Wetland Carbon Sink Technology Research Center; issue local Baotou forestry carbon credits; develop and launch the “Baotou Forest, Grassland, and Wetland Carbon Sink Certification and Transfer Platform” and the “Baotou Forest, Grassland, and Wetland Carbon Inclusive Platform”; and fully launch a municipal carbon neutrality mechanism based on forest, grassland, and wetland carbon sinks; explore the development of grassland carbon sink methodologies; and develop nationally verified and certified voluntary emission reduction forestry projects at an appropriate time.
In 2024, significant progress was made in the construction of the forestry carbon sink pilot city.The Baotou Forest and Grassland Carbon Sink Measurement and Monitoring System will be largely established, and 18 local standards for forest and grassland carbon sinks will be issued. Unified management and operation of the city’s forest and grassland carbon sinks will be largely achieved, effectively strengthening the city’s foundational capabilities, service levels, and team development in this area; models and pathways with Baotou’s distinctive characteristics will be formed in key areas such as carbon sink enhancement technologies, measurement standards, carbon asset management and development, regional carbon trading and compensation, and carbon finance.
By 2025, the construction tasks for the Forestry Carbon Sink Pilot City will be fully completed. Forest and grassland carbon sink capacity will be significantly enhanced, carbon sink enhancement measures will be scientific and efficient, and the value of carbon sinks will be demonstrated in diverse ways. This will provide exemplary experience and mature models for the development of forest and grassland carbon sinks nationwide, and establish a forest and grassland carbon sink support system to assist industrial cities in achieving their “dual carbon” goals.
IV. Key Tasks
(1) Establish a Municipal Carbon Neutrality Mechanism Based on Forest and Grassland Carbon Sinks
1. Scientifically Define “Municipal Carbon Neutrality Based on Forest and Grassland Carbon Sinks.”Guided by the promotion of energy conservation, carbon reduction, and carbon neutrality at the level of social activities across the city, supported by the Baotou Forest and Grassland Carbon Credits, and utilizing the “Zero-Carbon” Action and Forest and Grassland Carbon Benefits as pathways, we will promote the widespread participation of government agencies, enterprises, public institutions, social organizations, and the general public in public sector carbon neutrality. We will facilitate regional trading and compensation for forest and grassland carbon sinks, thereby addressing the challenge that most forest and grassland carbon sequestration functions make significant contributions yet struggle to realize their value.(Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau)
2. Implement the “Baotou Zero-Carbon Initiative” based on forest and grassland carbon sinks. Starting with “zero-carbon” meetings and events, we will gradually establish “zero-carbon” government agencies and units, as well as “zero-carbon” products, while promoting “zero-carbon” advocates and “zero-carbon” households to foster a “zero-carbon” initiative with broad participation across society.Carbon emissions from various “Zero-Carbon” initiatives will be offset through the “Planting Carbon-Neutral Forests + Forest and Grassland Carbon Credits” program. (Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Industry and Information Technology Bureau, Ecology and Environment Bureau, Transportation Bureau, Culture, Tourism, Radio, Film, and Television Bureau, Market Regulation Bureau, Sports Bureau, Government Affairs Service Center)
3. Establish the “Baotou Forest and Grassland Carbon Inclusion Mechanism” based on forest and grassland carbon credit incentives. Develop and utilize the Baotou Forest and Grassland Carbon Inclusion APP, establish a merchant alliance, and fully apply “Baotou Forest and Grassland Digital Carbon Vouchers” to credit incentives. Encourage and guide government agencies, enterprises, public institutions, and the general public to earn forest and grassland carbon credit points by participating in public emission reduction and carbon sequestration activities such as loving and protecting greenery, tree planting, ecological conservation,low-carbon lifestyles, and carbon offset to earn forest and grassland carbon credit points. Reward these points through various forms to drive society-wide carbon sequestration and emission reduction through inclusive and engaging initiatives, fostering a new trend of green and low-carbon living, ecological conservation, and participation in ecological restoration and rehabilitation across the city.Implement the “Forest Chief System + Forest and Grassland Carbon Benefits” initiative to further strengthen performance evaluation and incentives for the “one chief and two officers” at the grassroots level. By 2025, the public participation rate in the city’s forest and grassland carbon benefits program will reach over 30%. (Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Industry and Information Technology Bureau, Ecology and Environment Bureau, Commerce Bureau, Transportation Bureau, Culture, Tourism, Radio, Film, and Television Bureau, Market Regulation Bureau)
4. Improve the diversified compensation mechanism for forest and grassland carbon sinks. Fully leverage the “Baotou Forest and Grassland Digital Carbon Voucher” to organically integrate carbon sink transactions with commercial and public welfare activities. Gradually establish “carbon sink asset accounts” covering the public and small and medium-sized enterprises to achieve a win-win situation where the public can participate, the ecosystem is protected, enterprises benefit, and the value of carbon sinks is realized in multiple ways.(Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Municipal Industry and Information Technology Bureau, Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau, Municipal Market Regulation Bureau)
5. Innovate forest and grassland carbon sink management mechanisms and models. Develop and operate two “platforms”: First, the Baotou Forest and Grassland Carbon Sink Certification and Circulation Platform, which provides digital management services for the development, registration, circulation, trading, pledging, offsetting, and supervision of Baotou forest and grassland carbon sink projects;Second, the Forest and Grassland Carbon Inclusive Benefits Platform, which integrates low-carbon publicity, certification, and trading of carbon inclusive benefit products. Working in conjunction with a dedicated mobile app and WeChat official account, it provides digital support and services to facilitate diverse forest and grassland carbon inclusive benefit scenarios. (Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Industry and Information Technology Bureau, Natural Resources Bureau, Ecology and Environment Bureau, Market Regulation Bureau, Financial Affairs Office)
6. Implement delegated operation. Delegate the Baotou Climate Change Investment and Financing Industry Promotion Center to serve as the specific operational entity for the circulation of Baotou forestry and grassland carbon credits and the implementation of forestry and grassland carbon benefits. (Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau, State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, Market Regulation Bureau, Financial Affairs Office)
(II) Consolidating and Enhancing Forest and Grassland Carbon Sink Capacity
1. Implement comprehensive forest and grassland carbon sink capacity enhancement projects. From 2023 to 2025, cumulatively implement afforestation and reforestation projects covering more than 1.2 million mu; carry out restoration of degraded grasslands covering more than 3 million mu; implement wetland protection and restoration projects covering more than 300,000 mu; and, starting in 2023, designate and implement 20.03 million mu of grassland-livestock balance zones and 5.92 million mu of grazing-restricted zones across the city.Concurrently, monitoring and evaluation of carbon sink capacity enhancement will be conducted, resulting in a significant increase in the annual carbon sequestration capacity of the city’s forests, grasslands, and wetlands. (Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Finance Bureau, Water Resources Bureau, Natural Resources Bureau)
2. Establish forest, grassland, and wetland carbon sink development zones. Relying on state-owned forest farms, establish 12 forest carbon sink development zones; based on the grasslands north of the mountains, establish 5 grassland carbon sink development zones; centered on the Baotou Yellow River Wetland Park, establish 5 wetland carbon sink development zones.Implement carbon sink enhancement targets, pathways, and measures; adopt map-based management, comprehensive policies, and targeted carbon sink enhancement; concurrently conduct monitoring and evaluation of carbon sink enhancement outcomes, and produce annual reports. Forest carbon sink development zones will prioritize forest management measures such as afforestation, mountain closure for forest regeneration, forest tending, renovation of low-efficiency forests, and restoration of degraded forests;Grassland carbon sink development zones will focus on grassland conservation and restoration measures such as the restoration of degraded grasslands, achieving a balance between grass and livestock, grazing bans and rest periods, and grassland incentive subsidies; Wetland carbon sink development zones will focus on comprehensive measures such as converting farmland back to wetlands, wetland water replenishment, and wetland restoration. (Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Finance Bureau, Water Resources Bureau, Natural Resources Bureau)
3. Carry out carbon sink forest development. Seek project funding support from the national and autonomous regional governments to establish more than 100,000 mu of new artificial forests, while simultaneously conducting monitoring and evaluation of carbon sequestration capacity. Establish 10,000 mu of new artificial tree forests in Guyang County and Qingshan District to create demonstration bases for forest carbon sink enhancement.Vigorously promote cooperation between carbon sink forests and enterprises. Encourage and attract enterprises both within and outside the city to establish carbon sink forests through measures such as confirming carbon sink rights, offsetting carbon emissions, introducing relevant preferential policies, and issuing green carbon certificates. (Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Finance Bureau, Water Resources Bureau, Natural Resources Bureau, Commerce Bureau)
(3) Conduct Technical Research on Comprehensive Measures for Forest and Grassland Carbon Sequestration
1. Establish the Baotou Forest and Grassland Carbon Sink Technology Research Center, primarily to conduct technical research on comprehensive measures for enhancing carbon sinks in forests, grasslands, and wetlands. (Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau, Municipal Market Regulation Bureau)
2. Integrate the laboratories of the Baotou Yellow River Wetland Ecosystem National Fixed-Point Observation and Research Station and the Soil Laboratory of Baotou Normal University to establish the Baotou Forest and Grassland Carbon Sink Joint Laboratory, dedicated to analyzing and researching carbon storage and carbon sink capacities in forests, grasslands, and wetlands. (Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, Market Regulation Bureau)
3. Promote “rainwater-based carbon sequestration” technologies. Taking into account Baotou’s climatic conditions, the Municipal Forestry and Grassland Department will collaborate with the Meteorological Department to conduct demonstration and promotion of “weather modification for precipitation” technologies. By fully utilizing shrublands and non-essential grasslands in the northern mountainous areas of Baotou resulting from the Grain-for-Green Program, and in conjunction with new energy development, explore a “rainwater accumulation and evaporation reduction” carbon sequestration model under the “forest (grass)-solar complementary” framework.(Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Natural Resources Bureau, Industry and Information Technology Bureau, Meteorological Bureau)
4. Conduct research on forest carbon sequestration technologies. In collaboration with research institutions such as the Chinese Academy of Forestry and Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, and grounded in Baotou’s actual conditions, focus on key research topics including “Sustainable Development of Farmland-to-Forest Conversion Areas in the Northern Mountainous Region of Baotou,”"Improving the Quality of Forest Resources and Management Models in State-Owned Forest Farms," "Survey and Rational Utilization of Biodiversity in the Baotou Section of the Yin Mountains," and "Technical Models for Vegetation Restoration and Ecological Rehabilitation in Mine Rehabilitation," to research and explore comprehensive technical measures for enhancing forest carbon sinks. (Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal Natural Resources Bureau, Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau)
5. Conduct research on grassland carbon sequestration technologies.In collaboration with the Grassland Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, implement a comprehensive technical research project on “grassland restoration + increased income for herders + enhanced carbon sink capacity” under the framework of grass-livestock balance. Establish a “Demonstration Base for Optimized Management of Grassland and Livestock Resources in Family Farms” in Dameng Banner to provide scientific guidance to herding households on adjusting livestock breeds, numbers, and rearing methods. This initiative aims to leverage the capacity and potential of grassland ecosystems for biological carbon sequestration, soil carbon storage, and system-wide emissions reduction to achieve emissions reduction and carbon sink enhancement in grasslands.(Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Science and Technology Bureau, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Bureau, Ecology and Environment Bureau)
6. Conduct research on wetland carbon sink enhancement technologies. Compile the *Baotou City Wetland Conservation Plan (2022–2030)* and the *Master Plan for the Inner Mongolia Baotou Yellow River National Wetland Park (2023–2032)*. Focus on research into ecological restoration and carbon sink enhancement technologies for major rivers within the city and the Yellow River wetlands. (Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal Natural Resources Bureau, Municipal Water Resources Bureau)
(IV) Improve the Forest and Grassland Carbon Sink Measurement and Monitoring System
1. Establish the “Baotou Branch of the National Carbon Measurement Center (Inner Mongolia)” based on forest and grassland carbon sink measurement and monitoring. Conduct research on relevant technologies, explore implementation pathways, and develop institutional frameworks for forest and grassland carbon sink measurement; improve the quality of carbon sink data, formulate standards related to forest, grassland, and wetland carbon sinks, and refine the forest and grassland carbon sink measurement and monitoring system. (Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal Finance Bureau, Market Regulation Bureau)
2. Scientifically establish a forest and grassland carbon sink monitoring plot system. Taking into comprehensive consideration factors such as site conditions, tree species, grassland types, management and protection, and biodiversity, dynamically monitor forest, grassland, and wetland plots will be scientifically established throughout the city.Develop technical procedures for monitoring forest, grassland, and wetland carbon sinks, and conduct continuous dynamic monitoring and data analysis of carbon sinks. Through surveys and analyses of biomass, annual growth, and carbon sequestration characteristics of forests, grasslands, and wetlands, provide a scientific basis for formulating forest and grassland carbon sink measurement standards, and accurately assess the scale and trends of carbon sinks across the city’s forests, grasslands, and wetlands. (Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal Market Regulation Bureau)
3. Establish a local standard system for forest and grassland carbon sinks. Relying on the Baotou Branch of the National Carbon Measurement Center (Inner Mongolia), and in collaboration with research institutions such as Beijing Forestry University and Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, focus on researching and developing standards and methodologies for grassland and shrub carbon sinks. Research and publish 18 local standards for forest and grassland carbon sinks. In collaboration with the Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth, Chinese Academy of Sciences, conduct research on remote sensing monitoring technologies for grassland carbon sinks.(Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agency: Municipal Market Regulation Bureau)
(V) Conduct Carbon Sink Trading and Carbon Sink Compensation
1. Develop forestry CCER projects. For high-quality resources with additionality, prioritize the exploration and development of nationally certified voluntary emission reduction projects. Identify suitable forest land for development in advance, conduct baseline and additionality assessments along with relevant monitoring, and align with the restart schedule of the national CCER market to deepen project development at the appropriate time. These projects will primarily serve to offset carbon emissions for industrial enterprises across the city.(Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Finance Bureau, Natural Resources Bureau, Commerce Bureau, Ecology and Environment Bureau, Market Regulation Bureau, Financial Affairs Office)
2. Develop “Baotou Forestry and Grassland Digital Carbon Credits” primarily for carbon neutrality in the public sector. For forestry and grassland carbon sink resources with unclear additionality, develop local forestry and grassland carbon sink products that can be traded, pledged, redeemed, and used for offsetting within the municipal area.Draft the “Measures for the Recognition and Circulation of Baotou Forestry and Grassland Carbon Vouchers (Trial)” and the “Methods for Measuring Carbon Sinks of Baotou Forestry and Grassland Carbon Vouchers.” Introduce blockchain technology and, through professional institutions, verify and certify the issuance of “Baotou Forestry and Grassland Digital Carbon Vouchers” that can be infinitely subdivided, circulated online, and traced in real time. These vouchers will be primarily applied to zero-carbon initiatives and forestry and grassland carbon benefits programs to facilitate regional carbon sink trading and regional compensation.(Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Finance Bureau, Natural Resources Bureau, Commerce Bureau, Ecology and Environment Bureau, Market Regulation Bureau, Financial Affairs Office)
3. Explore the development of “forest (grassland)-solar complementary” integrated carbon sink projects. Leveraging the abundant shrubland and grassland resources from the afforestation of former farmland in northern mountainous areas such as Guyang County and Dameng Banner, and integrating them with the city’s new energy development, we will develop “forest (grassland)-solar complementary” integrated carbon sink projects. We will establish a long-term “enterprise-farmer” interest linkage mechanism based on future carbon sink revenue to promote increased carbon sequestration in forest lands, higher incomes for farmers, and greater efficiency for enterprises.(Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Industry and Information Technology Bureau, Natural Resources Bureau)
4. Establish a citywide database of forest carbon sink plots.With a focus on issuing real estate certificates for forest rights under the "Conversion of Farmland to Forest" program in the northern mountainous areas, promote the further clarification of ownership rights for state-owned, collectively-owned, and privately-owned forest lands and trees across the city to ensure clear title; conduct a city-wide survey of forest carbon sink plots to establish a database of forest carbon sink plots, including tree forests, shrub forests, natural forests, and planted forests, laying the foundation for the tiered development of forest carbon sink assets and the advancement of carbon trading.(Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agency: Municipal Natural Resources Bureau)
5. Explore the separation of forest ownership rights and carbon sink rights. For enterprises contracted to carry out post-greening maintenance, restoration of degraded forests, and forest management, the newly generated forest management carbon sinks during the contract period may be attributed to the contracting enterprise. By developing carbon sink projects to establish ownership rights, the separation of forest ownership rights and carbon sink rights will be achieved, thereby encouraging and guiding enterprises to participate in ecological conservation and restoration through a wider range of approaches.(Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal Natural Resources Bureau, Municipal Market Regulation Bureau)
6. Implement the pilot program for entrusted agency of ownership rights over state-owned natural resource assets (forests, grasslands, and wetlands) in Baotou. Make the realization of forest, grassland, and carbon sink value a key component of the pilot, and improve the mechanisms for the development, management, and revenue distribution of state-owned forest, grassland, and wetland carbon sink resources. (Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal Natural Resources Bureau, Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau)
(VI) Strengthen the Management of Forest and Grassland Carbon Sink Assets
1. Improve the management mechanism for forest and grassland carbon sink resources. The Municipal Forestry and Grassland Department shall implement coordinated planning and unified management of forest and grassland carbon sink development across the city to prevent fragmented development and a lack of coordination. (Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Natural Resources Bureau, Ecology and Environment Bureau, Financial Affairs Office)
2. Explore the establishment of a carbon sink asset development and operation platform, shifting from “buying and selling carbon sinks” to “managing carbon sinks,” and promote the visualization, diversification, and maximization of the value of forest and grassland carbon sinks. (Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, Market Regulation Bureau, Financial Affairs Office)
3. Explore the implementation of “Carbon Sinks + Justice.” Establish a “Carbon Sinks + Justice” working mechanism to promote effective integration between restorative ecological justice and forestry carbon sink initiatives, fostering a positive orientation where “polluters pay and protectors benefit,” thereby ensuring ecosystem security and stability while consolidating and enhancing carbon sink capacity. (Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal Public Security Bureau, Intermediate People’s Court, People’s Procuratorate, and Justice Bureau)
(VII) Innovating Financial Support Mechanisms to Realize the Value of Forest and Grassland Carbon Sinks
1. Explore equity-based operations for forest and grassland carbon sink assets. Focusing on collective and individual forest and grassland carbon sink assets, innovatively introduce “carbon sink equity.” (Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, Financial Affairs Office)
2. Develop carbon sink financial insurance. Make the development of carbon sink finance a key component of the climate finance pilot program. Encourage financial institutions to innovate forest and grassland carbon sink financial products, actively expand financing services such as the repurchase of forest and grassland carbon sink assets and the pledging of carbon sink revenue rights, and explore the issuance of government-backed special bonds and green bonds for forest and grassland carbon sinks to effectively mobilize carbon sink assets and promote the realization of the value of forest and grassland resources.Explore the “carbon sink loan + insurance” model, organically integrating forest and grassland carbon sink insurance with carbon sink pledges to encourage banks to grant loans based on future carbon sink revenues and insurance coverage, thereby opening new pathways for realizing carbon sink value. Actively promote remote sensing index insurance for grassland carbon sinks and value insurance for forest carbon sinks. (Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal Finance Bureau, Financial Affairs Office, Meteorological Bureau, Baotou Regulatory Branch of the National Financial Regulatory Administration)
3. Explore the establishment of the Baotou Forest and Grassland Carbon Sink Public Welfare Fund. Encourage and advocate for enterprises, social organizations, or individuals to actively fulfill their “dual carbon” responsibilities by donating to the China Green Carbon Sink Foundation to establish the “China Green Carbon Sink Foundation Baotou Special Fund,” thereby supporting ecological conservation, restoration, and carbon sink development. (Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal Development and Reform Commission, State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission)
(8) Explore Cross-Regional Cooperation on Forest and Grassland Carbon Sinks
Leverage the potential of Baotou’s forest and grassland resources to increase carbon sequestration, innovate operational models for forest and grassland carbon sink assets, and engage in cooperation with developed regions regarding forest and grassland carbon sinks. This will promote investment attraction, scientific and technological exchange, and talent recruitment, attracting more and better production factors to Baotou, broadening the pathways for realizing the value of forest and grassland carbon sinks, and better promoting the high-quality economic and social development of our city. (Lead Agency: Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau; Responsible Agencies: Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Municipal Commerce Bureau)
V. Support and Guarantee Measures
(1) Improve the Organizational Support System. The construction of Baotou as a national forestry carbon sink pilot city will be coordinated and advanced under the unified leadership of the Leading Group for the Construction of the Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality Forest and Grassland Carbon Sink (Baotou) Pilot Zone, forming a framework for pilot city construction characterized by unified government organization and implementation, division of labor and collaboration among departments, and the active participation of the entire society. We will effectively strengthen publicity and guidance to foster a positive social atmosphere where the public cares about, pays attention to, and supports the construction of the forestry carbon sink pilot city.
(2) Improve the System of Institutional Plans.Formulate the “Implementation Plan for the Construction of Baotou as a National Forestry Carbon Sink Pilot City” and specialized work plans to ensure the implementation of key tasks for the pilot city’s development. These include the “Action Plan for Consolidating and Enhancing the Carbon Sink Capacity of Baotou’s Forests, Grasslands, and Wetlands,” the “Three-Year Action Plan for Deepening the Advancement of Forest and Grassland Carbon Sinks in Baotou,” the “Technical Plan for Monitoring Forest, Grassland, and Wetland Carbon Sinks in Baotou,” and the “Implementation Plan for Municipal Carbon Neutrality Based on Forest and Grassland Carbon Sinks in Baotou.”the “Implementation Plan for Forest and Grassland Carbon Benefits in Baotou,” the “Measures for the Certification and Transfer of Forest and Grassland Carbon Sinks in Baotou (Trial),” the “Implementation Plan for Carbon Neutrality of Large-Scale Events Based on Forest and Grassland Carbon Sinks in Baotou,” the “Implementation Guidelines for Carbon Neutrality in the Daily Operations of Government Agencies and Public Institutions Based on Forest and Grassland Carbon Sinks in Baotou,” and the “Implementation Guidelines for Product Carbon Footprint and Carbon Neutrality Based on Forest and Grassland Carbon Sinks in Baotou,” among others.
(3) Strengthening Technical Support. Focus on building “two platforms” and “one team” to establish a comprehensive scientific and technological support system for the pilot city. Collaborate with research institutions such as the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Forestry, the Chinese Academy of Grassland Sciences, Beijing Forestry University, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, and the National Carbon Measurement Center (Inner Mongolia) to establish an industry-academia-research integrated “Technology R&D Platform”;collaborate with relevant domestic professional institutions, technology enterprises, and leading local forestry and grassland enterprises to establish a “Work Innovation Platform” integrating “R&D and practical application”; and through the appointment of advisors, project collaboration, and joint research efforts, partner with renowned domestic ecological scholars and carbon sink experts to form a “Forestry and Grassland Carbon Sink Expert Team.”
(4) Strengthen Financial Support. Increase fiscal coordination of funds for pilot city development and establish a robust, diversified funding mechanism. Support foundational work for pilot city development, including planning, measurement and monitoring, facilities and equipment, and scientific research and development.Actively seek project funding support from the central government and the autonomous region, as well as special construction bonds, policy-based medium- and long-term low-interest loans, carbon sink funds, and international cooperation projects, to be used for the development of pilot cities. Study and establish fiscal subsidy policies for forestry and grassland carbon sink projects to attract active participation from various enterprises and financial institutions. Explore direct financing methods for carbon sinks and guide the allocation of funds raised through green financial bonds into forestry and grassland carbon sink projects.
(5) Strengthen the Responsibilities of Banners, Counties, and Districts. Clarify the key priorities for each banner, county, district, and the Rare Earth High-Tech Zone in the construction of the forestry carbon sink pilot city.Damao Banner serves as the grassland carbon sink pilot, with the primary tasks of researching and formulating grassland carbon sink standards and methodologies, conducting research on increasing grassland carbon sinks under grass-livestock balance, and implementing measures to consolidate and enhance grassland carbon sink capacity; Guyang County serves as the forest carbon sink development pilot, with the primary tasks of researching and formulating shrub carbon sink standards and methodologies, taking the lead in developing local forestry carbon credits and CCER projects, and establishing demonstration bases for precise forest carbon sink enhancement;Qingshan District and Baiyun Mining District serve as municipal carbon neutrality pilot zones for forest and grassland carbon sinks. Their primary tasks include establishing city-wide carbon neutrality forest bases, developing carbon sink methodologies for mine restoration, creating zero-carbon government agencies, pioneering the promotion of carbon sink public welfare initiatives, and exploring carbon sink investment and financing pathways;Shiguai District and Tu Right Banner serve as pilot zones for forest carbon sink asset development, with primary tasks including the development of local and specialized carbon credits, the implementation of forest carbon sink enhancement projects, and research into carbon sink enhancement technologies for nature reserves; Donghe District serves as a pilot zone for forest carbon sink capacity enhancement, with the primary task of consolidating and improving forest carbon sink capacity;Kun District, Jiuyuan District, and the Rare Earth High-Tech Zone will serve as pilot areas for forest and wetland carbon sink measurement and monitoring. Their primary tasks include conducting dynamic monitoring and analysis of forest and wetland carbon sinks, researching and formulating relevant standards, and monitoring and evaluating forest carbon sequestration under refined management. The governments of all flags, counties, and districts, as well as the Administrative Committee of the Rare Earth High-Tech Zone, must establish timelines, roadmaps, and implementation plans based on these objectives and tasks, refine their plans, and advance them comprehensively.
(6) Encourage Pioneering Initiatives. The construction of pilot cities for forest carbon sinks must involve bold exploration and innovation, emphasizing reform trials in key areas and critical stages to serve as models, achieve breakthroughs, and drive broader progress. Improve incentive mechanisms to foster a positive atmosphere conducive to reform and innovation. As the lead agency for pilot city construction, the Municipal Forestry and Grassland Bureau must continuously innovate work methods, refine strategies, and detail implementation measures. It should strengthen supervision and coordination of pilot city construction efforts and conduct timely evaluations of outcomes.Experiences that are essentially mature, have proven effective in pilot implementation, and are worthy of promotion should be promptly summarized, refined, and elevated; difficulties and problems encountered should be thoroughly studied and resolved in a timely manner. Strictly implement all relevant laws, regulations, and policies; promptly follow up on the arrangements and deployments of the central government and the autonomous region; actively report on the progress of pilot city construction to higher-level competent departments; and strive to secure better and more guidance and support.
